Pioneer Woman Beef and Bean Chili Recipe
There is nothing better than a warm bowl of chili on a busy day. This Pioneer Woman Beef and Bean Chili Recipe is hearty, filling, and packed with rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cans 15 oz each kidney beans, drained
- 1 can 15 oz pinto beans, drained
- 2 cans 14.5 oz each diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
- Dice the onion into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Having everything ready before cooking makes the process easier and helps the recipe come together smoothly.
Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Break it apart with a wooden spoon while cooking for even texture.
Add Onion and Garlic
- Add diced onion to the beef. Cook for about five minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for one minute. The kitchen will start smelling wonderful.
Add the Seasonings
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well so every piece of meat gets coated with the flavorful spices.
Add Tomatoes and Sauce
- Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir everything together carefully. The mixture should become thick and rich with a beautiful deep red color.
Add Beans and Broth
- Add kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth. Stir until fully combined. The broth helps create the perfect consistency while adding extra flavor.
Simmer the Chili
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Brown Sugar
- Stir in the brown sugar during the last few minutes of cooking. This balances the tomato flavor and gives the chili a smooth taste.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the chili before serving. Add extra salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Small adjustments can make the flavor even better.
Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the chili into bowls. Add your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting bite.
Notes
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Simmer longer for deeper flavor.
- Mix different beans for more texture.
- Add corn for sweetness.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky taste.
- Make it ahead for even better flavor the next day.
- Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.